03/18/2025
I'm writing with an update on Project Greenwood and our efforts to address the legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
First, we commend Mayor Monroe Nichols for officially designating June 1 as a city holiday to honor those who were impacted. This important step acknowledges the pain endured by survivors and descendants, while also opening the door to broader conversations about reparations and the unrecognized stories of our community’s past.
Looking ahead, Mayor Nichols will announce additional measures on April 6th, 2025 to further support Project Greenwood’s goals. While the new holiday is significant, our broader plan includes vital steps such as financial compensation, land record audits, and support for survivors, descendants, and local businesses. These initiatives are key to repairing the generational harm done to Greenwood and ensuring a stronger future for the community.
Before we close, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that have supported us thus far. Your engagement—whether through sharing our message or providing resources—has been invaluable. As we continue our work, public backing remains essential. Please click here to help spread the word and encourage local leaders to act. In doing so, you help us make real progress toward justice for Greenwood.
Below is a summary of the proposals:
Accepted Proposal to Date
City Holiday (June 1)
Remaining Proposals
Immediate compensation for the two living survivors, Viola Ford Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle (both 110 years old)
A victim compensation fund covering over $200M in insurance and property claims, plus support for families of known murder victims
Business grants for descendants
Scholarship programs for descendants pursuing higher education
Grant programs for churches, schools, and other entities that survived the massacre
Employment preference program for descendants
City contracting program for descendants
Exemption from city taxes, fees, and utilities for survivors and descendants
Greenwood District land record audit
Return of land to descendants or fair market compensation
Establishment of a Level 1 trauma hospital in North Tulsa
Release of all Tulsa Race Massacre records held by the city
Open criminal investigations into the known murder victims
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or ideas about how to help further, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can honor Greenwood’s heritage and move Tulsa forward in a spirit of healing and restoration.
Sincerely,
Damario Solomon-Simmons
Founder and Executive Director
Justice for Greenwood
